Ironman Canada Kona Qualifying Times Analysis

At the 2011 Ironman Canada triathlon, 65 outstanding finishers qualified for Kona. Surprisingly, the last competitor to accept a slot in most age groups had slower times, compared to the last slot winner in 2010. It's even more remarkable when select age groups (e.g., M35-39, M45-49 and M50-54) were eligible for fewer slots than in 2010. Fewer slots, slower times? Interesting.

Until you throw 2009 qualifying results into the mix; which makes 2010 qualifying data look like the exception than the rule.